PLAYS
The Last Nights of the Sunshine SAGE Club
A Play in Two Acts by William Fowkes
One man’s idea of heaven can be another’s worst nightmare.
DESCRIPTION: Set in the lounge of a Fort Lauderdale social club for retired gay men, this play examines the difficulty of establishing meaningful relationships, whatever your age or sexual orientation. Al Getz, a local real estate broker—and former closeted movie star—deals with his attraction to the club’s homophobic assistant manager. Retired company man, John Strathmore—openly gay but mourning the recent death of his wife—gingerly re-enters the social scene. Newly-retired agent, Robby Smirnoff, juggles his need for companionship and love with his inability to control his sharp tongue. Ballroom dance instructor, Mary King, seeks love but keeps settling for the comfort of friendships with gay men. For most members, Sunshine SAGE is a bit of heaven on earth. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that sentiment.
The Last Nights of the Sunshine SAGE Club
The Last Nights of the Sunshine SAGE Club
A Play in Two Acts by William Fowkes
One man’s idea of heaven can be another’s worst nightmare.
Included in the Eileen Heckart Drama for Seniors Archives at Ohio State University
Available for first production.
SETTING: The lounge of the Sunshine SAGE Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—a social club for senior gay men
TIME: Early 21st Century
CHARACTERS:
Al Getz - Male - Age 69 - Handsome, successful realtor. Former movie star, Todd Haynes. Lived a private gay life for many years. Came out publicly five years ago. Sexually forward and frisky, but always a gentleman.
Brad Hall - Male - Age 30 - Assistant manager of Sunshine SAGE. Lusted after by many members of the club. Attractive but mercurial—alternately flirtatious and standoffish.
Robby Smirnoff - Male - Age 75 - Retired agent. Flamboyant and funny. Sweet but sharp-tongued. Likes much younger men.
John Strathmore - Male - Age 66 - Retired company man. Straight-laced and conservative in appearance. Openly gay all his life, but recently widowed from a woman to whom he was married for 10 years. Distracted by his mourning.
Mary King - Female - Age 55 - Ballroom dance instructor. A Southern woman who prefers the company of gay men. Funny, sexy, and warm-hearted.
SCENES:
Act One
Scene 1: Late afternoon. Al & Brad.
Scene 2: The next day. Evening. Robby, Al, & Brad.
Scene 3: A week later. Evening. Al, Mary, Brad, Robby, John.
Scene 4: A week later. Late afternoon. Al, Brad
Act Two
Scene 1: Two weeks later. Early evening. Robby, Brad, Al, John, Mary.
Scene 2: A week later. Afternoon. Brad, Al, Robby, John.
Scene 3: A few days later. Late afternoon. Brad, Mary, Al.
Scene 4: A couple of hours later. Al, Mary.
Scene 5: A week later. Brad.
Scene 6: The same day. John, Robby, Al, Mary.
“Sparkling characters and dialogue.”
- Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater
"There are a couple of colorful characters that are highlights. … It furthers the dialogue on sexuality, especially in the context of older gay men. I also think the play is bold in its perspective and I admire that bravery."
- About Face Theatre, Chicago
